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I'm a writer, living in Bristol in the UK. I've had a handful of short stories published but I'm still working on that Holy Grail for fiction writers- securing a literary agent. So, if you're an agent or have an Auntie, Uncle, second cousin, best friend who is one...

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Exploring fictional worlds in a flash

Three Line Tales: The tapping of her teeth

At Reception is the same girl who was at the desk when I registered – lip ring tapping her teeth as she sucks her cheek, another ring looped through her eyebrow catching the light when she frowns, which is often. She doesn’t bother to look up from her comic book as I clear my throat.

‘I need your help.’ I can barely hear my own voice, it’s so faint, so I’m not surprised when she ignores me. ‘I said, I need your help.’ This time I’m louder, my voice shrill, panicked, but she keeps staring at the image of a burning city, flames writhing snake-like through tower block windows.

I slam my hand on the counter, watch as blood from the knife speckles the comic – scarlet against magenta. She jumps back, chair hitting the floor and though I can’t over the screaming, I almost think I can hear the ring tapping her teeth.

Written for Sonya at Only 100 Word’s Three Line Tales. See here to join the fun and to read the other stories.

Wonderful three lines, Lynn. I love the descriptive of the receptionist with dreadful customer service skills, and the dark twist at the end leaves me with lots of intriguing questions. 🙂 Very nicely done.

Thanks so much Louise. Felt a little unfair to give the pierced receptionist a cliched line in customer service skills – but as most customer service is rubbish in the UK … Thanks so much for reading 🙂

Great image of the bored reception clerk. I can read what’s happening a couple ways. I think I’m leaning toward the narrator not being the one responsible for the blood on the knife — or not intentionally, at least — but I could go either way.

Ooh, your mind is running the same way as mine. I think the narrator has had a dreadful few minutes – but more through necessity than choice! Though undoubtedly, there is a corpse to clear up somewhere. Call Housekeeping! 🙂 Thanks Joy

Spooky — for the customer service rep’s sake — I hope the narrator knife isn’t blood spattered just for fun. Of course, could be a suite type place with a kitchen, and she’s missing an ingredient for her stew. I somehow doubt that.